Feedback on our Congregational Conversations

by Highland Baptist Church on January 31, 2025

Having heard of Highland Baptist for years in our Baptist circles, it was so good to be with you all in person. We spent time with various leadership team members, had dinner with staff, and led two congregational gatherings on Sunday. 
 
When we begin working with a congregation, we like to ask the question, “What is your most meaningful or powerful moment at Highland Baptist?” Your answers were about community, acceptance and social justice towards others. This question allows us to get at the heart of what makes your congregation different and unique. Each time we do this activity, a church’s identity reveals itself.  
 
We realized in our last session that there was something missing from your responses. Most times when we do this with congregations, there are at least a handful of people that share something that is pining for the days of old. They are lauding a former pastor and all of the visits they would make or the packed sanctuary they could fill. I did not hear that. When former ministers were mentioned, it was how they came along and cared for you. You did not pine for former days of church glory. Most of those powerful moments were based on members of the congregation living their values and being “Highland Baptist.” 
 
You are a congregation that is already looking forward. Many congregations are looking back, hoping to reclaim something they had in the past. Highland Baptist is far ahead in creating a new future because you do not need to be convinced to move forward. Much of what made those seasons of ministry successful had as much to do with outside influences as it did the leadership, and thus not re-creatable. Not looking back will serve you well in this time of transition. 
 
You are also a congregation that already sees that the pastor, while important in the system, is not the church. You are the church. The people in the pews, visitors and members alike. You are ready to step up into leading the congregation during the time of transition. You know that the right leader can take you further, but your future and identity do not depend on your pastor. That is very unique and will serve you well. 
 
During this interim period, Highland Baptist has the opportunity to live out its value of Christ-centered hospitality by taking the time to host and welcome the diverse perspectives and divergent thinking of its members, leaders, and staff in order to collectively thinkfeel, and discern future possibilities where healing and wholeness can take place inside and outside of Highland Baptist. 
 
Clarity about how to move forward to create systems that are clear about your purpose, clear about your resources and clear about who is making decisions is important. We look forward to the possibility of helping you during your time of transition.


~ Charity Roberson and Michael Cheuk,
Consultants with The Center for Congregational Health

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